Somalia Hosts Inaugural Disaster Resilience Conference to Build a Safer Future

The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), in collaboration with Mogadishu University, has launched the Somalia Disaster Resilience Conference today in Mogadishu, which will conclude tomorrow. This year marks the first time this significant event is being held in Somalia, with the theme “Building a Disaster Resilient Society.”

The opening ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Interior Minister, the education minister, the Minister of Family and Human Rights, the Minister of Energy and Water Resources, the SoDMA Commissioner, the President of Mogadishu University, and other distinguished officials.

The conference serves as a collaborative platform for experts, policymakers, and institutions to engage in meaningful discussions on effective disaster management and strategies for fostering a resilient society. Its goal is to cultivate a stronger and more prepared community.

SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Maalim Abdulle expressed gratitude to the leaders, experts, researchers, and distinguished guests contributing to the success of this year’s conference. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in making a significant impact.

“Togetherness is crucial; by collaborating, we can make a significant impact. We value the expertise of Somali academics in disaster risk reduction and understanding climate change,” said Commissioner Mohamud Abdulle.

Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal, the President of Mogadishu University, echoed this sentiment, stating that combining knowledge and teamwork can lead to meaningful progress toward solutions.

“This conference arises from our collaboration with SoDMA to research the challenges facing our country. We believe that by combining knowledge and teamwork, we can make meaningful progress toward solutions,” said Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed Mursal.

The Minister of Interior of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ali Yussuf Ali, who inaugurated the conference, highlighted its importance for the Somali community. He addressed the challenges posed by natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, as well as the effects of conflict on social livelihoods and national productivity.

“This conference presents an opportunity for Somalia to address recurring natural and man-made disasters. By leveraging knowledge and expertise, the nation can enhance resilience in communities and support ongoing growth and development,” stated Ali Yussuf, the Interior Minister.

Abdullahi Qaran, the Director of the Disaster Research and Training Centre for SoDMA and a member of the organizing committee, provided an insightful overview of the materials and scientific discussions that will be featured during the two-day conference.

“Disaster resilience is a collective effort; it requires the integration of research, training, and community involvement. By harnessing knowledge and fostering partnerships, we can empower Somali communities to withstand and recover from any challenge.” – Abdullahi Qaran, Director of the Disaster Research and Training Centre for SoDMA.

As Somalia embarks on this pivotal journey toward disaster resilience, the collaborative efforts showcased at this conference promise to pave the way for a safer and more prepared future for all citizens.